Bringing out the worst in everyone

July 28, 2008

I do really love the whole idea behind Critical Mass thing: a leaderless group of cyclists who ride once a month, generally supporting cyclists’ rights to the share the road with drivers and without any clear mission or vision for the organization.

In theory, wicked cool. In reality (although I have yet to actually join up with the local ride but hope to soon), not so much. Just like clockwork, the last Friday of every month always creates a whole mess of stories from account the country. Riders vs. Pedestrians. Riders vs. Cops. Dogs vs. Cats.

At least in both of these situations, the cyclist’s reputations don’t take too much of a beating, but it does suck to see the same recurring themes come out every month. Bikers already have enough of a reputation issue, it is unfortunate to see a group with such good intentions doing so much damage (even to the reputations of cops and drivers).